CREEDE— The 2017 Run Off Run Off Marathon event is scheduled to kick off on June 17. This year, the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project (RGHRP) and Willow Creek Reclamation Committee (WCRC) have partnered with Rocky Mountain Flyathlon to create one epic event. Each event will be held separately until the after-party when both organizations and participants will come together to celebrate the run. Funds collected through entry fees will be donated back to the WCRC for future projects to help protect the headwaters of the Rio Grande River and its inhabitants.
According to program facilitator Andrea Bachman, over 70 participants have preregistered for the event. “About 79 people have registered for the Run Off and we expect well over 100 by the morning of the race,” said Bachman. This year, participants will meet at the ball park located south of Creede and those participating in the 25-mile marathon will be bused out to Road Canyon Reservoir located to the north for the start of the race around 8 a.m. The long route takes participants through the weaving river Valley and down through the remnants of the West Fork Complex Fire, which adds to the ambiance of the race.
With precipitation levels on the rise from a decent snow pack this winter and additional rains over the last few weeks, vegetation in the area is a rich, luscious green. The Rio Grande is running at full capacity, giving a nice incentive to those who have chosen to take the longer marathon. The purpose of the race is to raise awareness and educate people on the headwaters of the Rio Grande and the importance of protecting the quality of life and water in the area.
The event also offers participants a half marathon that will begin later in the morning at a half way point from the reservoir and a 6K run through the flood plain. Recent work completed by the WCRC has included capping projects which have utilized dirt from other area projects to cover some of the problem areas in the tilling piles from Creede’s mining past. The organization has also worked to plant hundreds of willow trees along Willow Creek which have taken hold and begun to grow.
After the end of all races, there will be an award ceremony at the ball park beginning at 2 p.m., followed by live music, great local brews and delicious barbeque provided by the Run Off Run Off crew. Flyathlon participants will join in on the fun after completing their 7.5-mile race along Miner’s Creek. Their event adds a fishy flair to the race in an effort to educate the public on the infamous and nearly endangered cutthroat trout that reside in area waters.
“We also want the public to know that they can join in on the fun at the after-party from 1 until about 5 p.m.,” added Bachman. The after-party will feature live music from Moors and McCumber and Bruce Hayes, both of which are local bands and area favorites. Beer will be provided by Three Barrels Brewery and a light breakfast will be provided to participants from Coffee on the Fly.
Come out and join in the fun!